ENGLISH:
Considering the growing interest in synthetic cannabinoids, we propose to review the main analytical methods allowing their detection and/or quantification in biological samples (blood, urine, oral fluid and hair) and products (powders, herbal mixtures). The main separation and detection methods are discussed (immunoassay, thin layer chromatography, liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance). The knowledge of current methods and new analytical perspectives will allow the toxicologist to cope with the problematic of synthetic cannabinoids analysis.

ENGLISH:
The emergence of new psychoactive drugs is due to the supposed similar effects from 'copied' substances and also, in particular cases, to a legal alternative of controlled substances. This first paper deals with cathinones and synthetic cathinones. Different topics as structural properties, pharmacokinetics, modes of consumption, identification and quantification methods as well as legislation issues will be discussed. The scientific literature is reviewed until March 2013, resulting in a summary of the reported effects related to the use of those substances. In conclusion, risks involved by the use of synthetic cathinones are not yet well established. New synthetic cathinones launched on the market represent a potential public health problem and force the scientists to continually develop new sensitive analytical methods to assure their identification and quantification.

Domaine :

Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs

Sous-type de document :

Revue de la littérature / Literature review

Refs biblio. :

79

Affiliation :

Service de médecine légale, Faculté de médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a challenge for the worldwide forensic community. More than 450 NPS are currently being monitored by the UNODC and EMCDDA. NPS are a major challenge for laboratories, not only because of the large numbers of NPS, but also due to the continuous chemical development of the substances and thus the rapid turnover of the drug market. The aims of our publication are to give an overview of practical considerations when applying oral fluid (OF) analysis in the context of NPS detection, to highlight the current limitations and to address options to improve current research and legislative actions. OF sample collection and protocols will be discussed as differences will have an impact on the final obtained concentrations via dilution, drug (in)stability and recovery issues. In addition, the current state and the future possibilities for NPS detection in OF using direct assays or chromatographic techniques are described. Finally, judicial challenges and applications are discussed.

Domaine :

Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs

Sous-type de document :

Revue de la littérature / Literature review

Refs biblio. :

45

Affiliation :

National Institute of criminalistics and criminology, section drugs and toxicology, Brussels, Belgium

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a worldwide problem. Several countries have adopted DUID legislations which prove their deterrent effect and impact on road safety. However, the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and prescription drugs is not known, as the applied roadside screening tests have not yet been adapted for these compounds. In this study, 558 blood samples obtained during roadside controls in Belgium (January to August 2015) after a positive Drugwipe 5S test and 199 oral fluid (OF) samples obtained from negatively screened test pads were analyzed. The NPS positivity rate was 7% in blood, while it reached 11% in OF. NPS detected were: diphenidine, ketamine, 4-fluoroamphetamine, 2-amino-indane, methoxetamine, alpha-PVP, methiopropamine, a mix of 5-MAPB/5-EAPB, TH-PVP, mephedrone, methedrone, 4-methylethylcathinone, 5-MeO-DALT, 4-Acetoxy-DiPT, AB Fubinaca, FUB-JWH018, JWH020, trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine, and ethylphenidate. Moreover, 17% of blood samples (and 5% of OF) contained an analgesic drug, 10% (0.5%) a benzodiazepine/hypnotic, 5% (2%) an antidepressant, 2% (3%) an antipsychotic, 2% an antiepileptic drug, and 1% methylphenidate. The presence of NPS in the young (and predominately male) DUID population is proven. Furthermore, a high level of poly-drug use including combinations of NPS, licit, and drugs of abuse was observed. Further research concerning the development of on-site NPS detection techniques should be established. Meanwhile, the effects of combined drug use on driving ability and the physical/psychological signs after NPS use should be performed to improve the on-site DUID detection of NPS by police officers, so they can engage in blood sampling for a general unknown screening.